Back Pain May Force Bowman To Bow Out Of Men`s Finals

SALT LAKE CITY — Christopher Bowman, the defending national figure skating champion, may have to withdraw from the final phase of the men`s competition because of back pain.

Bowman`s coach, Frank Carroll, said Saturday the decision may wait

``until the last minute`` before Sunday afternoon`s final.

``His back was out before practice today (Saturday), and the medical staff put it back in,`` Carroll said. ``He had trouble in practice today and couldn`t do all the elements. Any moves where he squats or bends over are difficult.``

In Friday`s short program, Bowman fell on one triple jump and stumbled on the landing of another. He finished fifth in the short program, stands fourth overall and is virtually out of contention for the title.

Although Bowman`s back pain is chronic, Carroll suggested it may have recurred because of his erratic training habits.

``He is a little heavy right now, and that may be a factor,`` Carroll said.

Should Bowman withdraw, he would still get to compete in next month`s World Championships based on his second place in that event last year.

Todd Eldredge of South Chatham, Mass., and Paul Wylie of Denver are battling for the title and the other two spots in the worlds.

- The U.S. Figure Skating Association is still awaiting news on its request to allow the pairs team of Natasha Kuchiki and Todd Sand to compete in the World Championships. They earned a spot on the team by finishing second to Kristi Yamaguchi and Rudi Galindo here Friday night.

The USFSA has petitioned the International Skating Union to waive its age restriction. At 13, Kuchiki is too young for senior competition by ISU rules. - The junior women`s champion is Alice Sue Claeys, a 14-year-old finishing her freshman year at the University of Minnesota.

(Yes, you read that right. Claeys will be a sophomore in the spring quarter.)

Claeys finished first in the compulsories and short program and second in Saturday`s long program. Dana MacDonald, 16, of Arlington Heights was a surprise third-place finisher. Chicago native Nicole Bobek was fourth.

Victoria Pietrasik, 14, of Northbrook won the bronze medal in the novice free skating event.

Jennifer Heurlin, 14, and John Frederiksen, 18, of Arlington Heights wound up 10th in senior pairs after finishing sixth in the short program phase of the competition. In December, they had been third in the world junior championships.

Tom Jasper, 19, of Elgin was 11th in the junior men`s event. Chicagoans Kimberly Callahan, 16, and Robert Peale, 17, are ninth in the junior dance going into Sunday`s freestyle final.